U.S. Bank & U.S. Bank Foundation extend $3.7 million to 10 nonprofit organizations for LA wildfire relief & recovery
From January 7 to January 31, 2025, a series of wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, most significantly impacting communities in Altadena (Eaton Fire) and Pacific Palisades (Palisades Fire). Together, the fires destroyed nearly 40,000 acres, resulting in the loss of lives, homes, property, community spaces and businesses.
In January 2026, upon the one-year anniversary of the destructive wildfires, a group of nearly 40 U.S. Bank and community leaders gathered for a roundtable discussion in support of the region’s long-term resiliency. The group identified the progress that has already been made, the areas of need that remain and ways that collaboration might be possible to amplify response efforts for Angelenos still in need.
The event was held at the Pasadena City College (PCC) Foothill Campus, which served as a crucial staging area and resource site during the fires. The campus is home to the Pasadena Women’s Business Center, which also has received funding from U.S. Bank.
U.S. Bank and U.S. Bank Foundation provided immediate emergency response and relief assistance in 2025, and in 2026, and after the headlines have faded, they continue to respond to the community’s ongoing needs.
“The U.S. Bank Foundation’s support is unique because they chose to listen first and meet survivors where they are,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. “They came to us and asked, ‘What are you hearing from the community?’ That partnership helped us respond immediately and deliver help where it was needed most.”
“Rather than a prescriptive approach, it is vitally important that we listen closely to the actual needs of community members and the recommendations of nonprofit leaders,” said Erica Opstad, president of the U.S. Bank Foundation. “We know that there are many areas of crucial need that we won’t be able to identify on our own, so we prioritize the strategies recommended by the well-informed people on the front lines.”
After listening efforts were completed, U.S. Bank and U.S. Bank Foundation delineated a $3.7 million LA wildfire relief and recovery effort contributing to 10 nonprofits in support of continued housing and small business recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Funding recipients include Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, The Center by Lendistry, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles, Inclusive Action for the City, TMC Community Capital, Pacific Community Ventures, LISC Los Angeles, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles – Lowe Family Branch, Common Counsel Foundation, and the LA Chamber’s Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund Grant Program.
This support arrives at a critical moment, as many Los Angeles families and entrepreneurs continue to recover from the lasting impacts of recent wildfires. While the immediate crisis required rapid response, long-term rebuilding demands sustained support.
“We’ve heard from several fire victims who’ve lost not only their home but also a home-based business, and for all small businesses impacted by the fire, we believe that supporting their recovery efforts is an investment in today and the future,” said Rockette Richardson Ewell, California community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “We’re proud to work with these organizations to help small businesses recover, prosper and build thriving communities.”
“We've learned that true recovery is built over time and depends on committed supporters,” said Daniel Fernandez, CEO of TMC Community Capital. “The funding from U.S. Bank will help our organization provide small business owners with the capital they need to rebuild stronger, remain resilient and strengthen the long-term health of Los Angeles’ small business ecosystem."
Disclosures
Equal Housing Lender